Celesto vs AWS CodeBuild
Celesto offers low-cost Linux runners with GitHub App setup and workspace billing. CodeBuild is an AWS-native build service that can also host ephemeral GitHub Actions runners, with IAM and VPC integration.
Install Celesto CIChecked November 1, 2026. Sources and assumptions
Managed GitHub Actions compute without configuring an AWS build project
Celesto Standard is $0.0005/minute for 2 vCPU and 4 GB. CodeBuild prices vary by compute type, region, and mode. On-demand EC2 builds round up to a minute; Lambda compute bills in seconds; reserved instances have a 60-minute minimum. CodeBuild includes limited recurring free EC2 or Lambda usage. Count logs, artifact storage, transfer, and any CodePipeline costs alongside compute before comparing total bills.
CodeBuild rates depend on region and compute mode; AWS logs, artifacts, and other services may add charges. CPU count and memory alone do not establish equal hardware performance, network speed, or completed-job cost.
Start GitHub Actions runners without an AWS project and webhook setup.
| Feature | Celesto | AWS CodeBuild |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and infrastructure | ||
| GitHub Actions jobs | GitHub App and funded workspace(Celesto has the edge) | CodeBuild runner project, GitHub connection, and webhook configuration |
| Cloud account | No customer AWS account required(Celesto has the edge) | Your AWS account, roles, and build settings |
| Private AWS resources | Celesto-managed runner infrastructure | Native IAM, Secrets Manager, and VPC integration(AWS CodeBuild has the edge) |
| Compute choice | GitHub Actions on managed Linux x64 runners, up to 8 vCPU / 32 GB | EC2 and Lambda modes, ARM and supported Windows environments(AWS CodeBuild has the edge) |
Setup and infrastructure
- GitHub Actions jobs
- CelestoGitHub App and funded workspace Has the edge
- AWS CodeBuildCodeBuild runner project, GitHub connection, and webhook configuration
- Cloud account
- CelestoNo customer AWS account required Has the edge
- AWS CodeBuildYour AWS account, roles, and build settings
- Private AWS resources
- CelestoCelesto-managed runner infrastructure
- AWS CodeBuildNative IAM, Secrets Manager, and VPC integration Has the edge
- Compute choice
- CelestoGitHub Actions on managed Linux x64 runners, up to 8 vCPU / 32 GB
- AWS CodeBuildEC2 and Lambda modes, ARM and supported Windows environments Has the edge
Choose Celesto when
- You want GitHub Actions runners without configuring AWS infrastructure
- Your jobs fit managed Linux x64 sizes
- You want runtime to consume one Celesto workspace balance
Choose AWS CodeBuild when
- Builds need native AWS access and private VPC resources
- Your team already manages AWS roles and CodeBuild projects
- You need CodeBuild-specific environments or integrations
Keep GitHub Actions. Move compatible Linux jobs.
Install Celesto’s GitHub App, link a workspace, and fund a paid runner size. This example selects Standard, 2 vCPU and 4 GB, at $0.0005/minute. Port provider-specific caches, custom images, or pipeline syntax before migrating. The Micro-only trial starts with $5 shared credit, expires after 30 days, and allows one retained sandbox at a time.
1jobs:
2 test:
3 runs-on: [self-hosted, celesto-standard]
4 steps:
5 - uses: actions/checkout@v4
6 - run: npm ci && npm testCelesto bills computer runtime including preparation and cleanup. Linux x64 only; a two-hour safety limit applies. Concurrency depends on workspace limits, credit, and capacity.
Questions before you switch
Can CodeBuild keep my GitHub Actions workflows?
Yes. CodeBuild can process GitHub Actions jobs through a runner project and queued-job webhook. Each job gets an ephemeral runner. Migrating compatible jobs to Celesto changes the runner selection and setup; port AWS-specific assumptions and validate permissions first.
Is CodeBuild’s compute rate the full bill?
Not always. AWS lists potential charges for CloudWatch Logs, S3 artifacts, KMS, transfer, and CodePipeline alongside build compute. Region, mode, rounding, and free allowances also matter.
How does CI dependency caching work?
Linux x64 jobs include actions/cache and setup-node/setup-python caching without changes to compatible cache steps. Cache storage has no separate charge. Default per-repository limits are 5 GiB on trial and promotional credit and 25 GiB on paid credit; caches expire after 7 idle days. CI runtime consumes workspace credit.
Which Docker workflows are supported?
Docker Engine, Buildx, and Compose are preinstalled. Docker builds, Compose workflows, and GitHub service containers are verified. Validate Docker actions and whole-job containers before migrating. Docker’s explicit --cpus flag failed the documented preflight.
Do Docker layers persist between CI jobs?
No. Each job starts fresh. Use registry caches or portable archives through actions/cache to reuse layers. Direct BuildKit type=gha,version=2 cache export failed the documented preflight.
Sources and assumptions
Pricing and capabilities checked November 1, 2026. No matched performance or network benchmark is claimed here. AWS CodeBuild is a trademark of its owner; Celesto is not affiliated with it.